Blackhawks, Penguins can earn playoff spots Sunday

The first berths in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs could be clinched by the end of Sunday night's action.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who seemingly made their participation in the postseason a formality when they got off to a 21-0-3 start, will clinch a Western Conference berth if they earn at least a point out of Sunday's home game against the Nashville Predators.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the idle Pittsburgh Penguins can have their ticket punched if the New Jersey Devils lose in any fashion to the Buffalo Sabres.